Test laboratory for transformer materials

Top class laboratory diagnostics

General Information

Description
Lifespan
Oil analysis
Material testing

Do you know the chemical age of your transformer? Well we do!
There are numerous complementary methods for diagnosing the transformer ageing process early and reliably. The Siemens Test Laboratory for Transformer Materials is completely focused on the laboratory diagnostics of oil-filled electrical equipment. The highly qualified personnel are constantly developing new methods for ageing diagnostics and are using this knowledge for the benefit of our customers.

Demonstrable competence

Accredited as an independent test laboratory in accordance with ISO 17025 (Certificate)

DKE 182 – liquids and gases for electrotechnical applications
DKE 181 – Solid electrical insulating materials
DKE 171 – magnetic alloys and steels
Cigré D1 – materials and emerging test techniques
Various Cigré working groups on the subjects of Dissolved Gas Analysis, corrosive sulphur, insulating liquids and new ageing markers.
IEC TC 10 working groups – fluids for electrotechnical applications.

Our services include insulating oil and material testing. The diagnostic test procedures vary between ageing analysis or condition detection of oils /insulating materials and the new state assessments of oils /insulating materials.

The lifespan of a transformer largely depends on the ageing of the solid and liquid organic insulating materials. In normal operating conditions, below the maximum permissible load, and with regular maintenance and care, a transformer's lifespan can be extended to well over 30 years.

Nevertheless, during the working life of a transformer abnormal events could occur, for example transient over voltages, overheating during emergency operation, dynamic stress and faults in the cooling. These processes result in an accelerated ageing of the transformer materials.

Whether it is a case of new construction, operation, retrofit or repair, it is always a matter of reliably recognizing material degradation and rectifying it. For this purpose an extensive knowledge of the materials as well as a specific, precise analysis is fundamental. In order to avoid costly breakdowns, minimize downtimes and extend the lifespan of a transformer, the performance of a regular trend analysis and targeted maintenance are indispensable.

The combination of moisture in the oil and in the cellulose is an indicator of ageing. The most important method for the diagnosis of the ageing process as a result of dielectric, thermal, dynamic and chemical ageing in oil and oil-paper insulation is the Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA). The Siemens Test Laboratory for Transformer Materials offers a comprehensive service, from the collection of samples to analysis and assessment.

Oil sampling

The sampling device, developed in collaboration with the customers, offers the following advantages:

always ready for use and contains all the necessary equipment – from thread adapters to multi-use pliers.
compact and stackable, all connections have self-closing couplings
guarantees an easy, secure and reproducible sample collection.

During the mostly decades-long service life of a transformer, materials too are subjected to considerable ageing processes. Through our tests we are able to determine the condition of the materials, and offer our clients the possibility to plan any necessary maintenance measures early.

Analyses of solid insulating materials, conductive metallic materials (grain-oriented electrical steel and copper materials) as well as coating materials and sealing materials, are carried out.

Service Information

Grain oriented electrical steel

Description

Transformer cores are made up of grain-oriented electrical steel. There are three different qualities: conventional grain-oriented steel, highly permeable grain-oriented steel and domain refined electrical steel.

In the material testing laboratory the following tests are carried out on the grain-oriented electrical steel: